Tips On Buying A Used Recumbent Exercise Bike

Recumbent exercise bikes are considered to be better fitness machines than the older style upright models; especially if you have back problems. But, they aren’t cheap; however, you can save literally hundreds of dollars if you buy a used one. But, like buying any used product, you need to be extra careful in your purchase. Here are some tips to help you buy a used exercise bike and how to avoid buying a piece of junk.

The best advice in buying any used exercise bike is to avoid buying a cheap model. These machines weren’t built to last, so chances are, that buying a used one is only going to lead to disappointment. Instead, buy quality. The more expensive, better brand models are built to last for many years, even when they’ve been used a lot. Many also come with great warranties that may still be valid even when sold on before the end of the warranty period. Look for brands such as Schwinn, Tunturi and Lifecycle exercise bikes.

There are numerous places where you can buy a used recumbent exercise bike. You can pick one up from fitness clubs; classified ads; store chains like Play It Again Sports; and online from places like CraigsList and eBay. Buying from each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Buying a reconditioned model from a fitness store will give you some piece of mind, in that these bikes will come with some sort of warranty. As well as the warranty, you can be assured that they will have been reconditioned by people who know their business and with a reputation they want to maintain. Buying from private ads on the internet and through the press will give you no such assurances. But, the downside from buying from a store is that you’ll be paying for this service.

Each year, thousands of gyms want to offload their old equipment. Remember though that the machines will have been used nearly hour of every day the gym was open. The exercise bikes will be sold as is; they will not be reconditioned. So, you need to be vary careful when you buy, you could end up buying a machine that is just plain old, tired and way passed its best. On the plus side, most gyms buy only the best, commercial models; these are usually a whole lot better than home exercise bikes, so you could be getting a machine that’s better than a brand-new home model. If you do buy one from a gym, just be careful.

Buying off the internet or from private ads can be very risky. You simply don’t know who you’re dealing with; they maybe legit but you can never be sure. Also, you’ll only have their word for it about the history of the bike. If you do buy from a private ad, buy locally, so you can at least know where the seller lives and go check them out.

I’ve saved the best tip about buying an used exercise bike to last. Your best bet is to buy from someone who bought it brand-new and then used it only once or twice. The world is full of people who vow to do some sort of exercise, go out a buy that expensive piece of kit, try it a few times, lose the will to get fit and just leave it sitting idle in the corner of a room. It’s from such people that you can find the best used machine at the best price.

Finding these people is also easier than you might think. You just need to place an ad stating you’re interest in buying a used recumbent exercise bike. You can place an inexpensive ad in your local paper, or better still, place hand-written ads in your local supermarket, gym or work place. You can even be specific and let them know if you want a Schwinn, Tunturi and Lifecycle exercise bike.

When you do buy, make sure you actually test it out. If the owner is genuine and eager to sell they won’t have a problem letting you test it out before you buy. Also, ask about the warranties and find out if they’re still valid.

Buying a used recumbent exercise bike can really be the smart thing to do; the secret is knowing how to go about finding it.